Bernard Holland earns his share of both hosannas and brickbats amongst the bloggerati. It is far from my place to judge, but I am gladly willing to state in this most public of forums that I hope to one day write a piece of criticism as insightful and incisive as this review of Friday night’s Berlin Philharmonic concert.

Mr. Holland — I employ that usage not according to the Times style guide, but out of utmost respect — can at his best write rings around us all. Here is proof.